The Hidden Cost of AI for Young Lawyers, Published in The Legal Intelligencer

In an article published on August 27 in The Legal Intelligencer, Segal McCambridge Associate Chris Malon examines how unchecked reliance on artificial intelligence can hinder young lawyers' development of foundational skills. His guidance encourages emerging attorneys to use AI to improve efficiency without outsourcing the independent reasoning and judgment clients rely on. 

“But there is a difference between a tool that speeds up the work and a tool that does the work,” Malon explains. “And I think it’s necessary that lawyers, especially young ones, keep that distinction in mind.” 

An associate’s struggle from years ago has built the knowledge their practice now rests on. For young attorneys, it’s critical to begin formulating the habit of working through complex files, unfamiliar legal issues, and nuanced arguments now to help create the practical judgment necessary for long-term practice. 

“AI is best used as a time saver on monotonous work that requires no real legal judgment, and as a second set of eyes on work product that has already been thought through,” writes Malon. “Responsible use of AI is rooted in never letting it be the lawyer but rather making the lawyer a more thorough and efficient one.” 

Read the article in full, click here (subscriber-based).